Triathalons...How do I get started???

IKO

I know nothing about triathalons except that they are extremely tough.

Started running for first time ever back in January (7 races under my belt, 21:30 for 5k and 45 for 10k). stopped eating junk food & cut back hugely on my alcohol. I alternate between swimming & running & try and train 5/6 days a week (weird, cause first time in my life I actually love to train so much!!) . I try & swim a min of 750m each time in pool and up to 1500m. Running I vary between 5k, 8k, 10k. 12k. started anearobically but now try & train aerobically aswell with aid of my garmin. Do kettlebells once a week for core strength.
Cylced for 7 years in a row but havent done any cycling for 3 years and none this year so far.

Most I tried in one day myself was 20k run followed by 750m swim in pool, was surprised that I was able to do that. Before I started any of this training in Jan I got my black belt in karate last year.

Wetsuit? do u really need a wetsuit for the swimming? Is a scuba diving wetsuit ok or do u need a special one for Tris?
Nutrition?
Age? Starting at 36? (weigh 68kg)
bike? Can I use any old bike?
Right now I do all my training alone which is fine for me.
Can you do Tris alone or do you need to be in a group, with other people?
Do you have to be in a club to be allowed do them?
I guess this years season is nearly over so it maybe next year before I get to do any but I have certainly being preparing my body all of this year!

Appreciate any advice to get me pointed in the right direction. Thank you

couerdelion

IKO wrote: »

I know nothing about triathalons except that they are extremely tough.

Started running for first time ever back in January (7 races under my belt, 21:30 for 5k and 45 for 10k). stopped eating junk food & cut back hugely on my alcohol. I alternate between swimming & running & try and train 5/6 days a week (weird, cause first time in my life I actually love to train so much!!) . I try & swim a min of 750m each time in pool and up to 1500m. Running I vary between 5k, 8k, 10k. 12k. started anearobically but now try & train aerobically aswell with aid of my garmin. Do kettlebells once a week for core strength.
Cylced for 7 years in a row but havent done any cycling for 3 years and none this year so far.

Most I tried in one day myself was 20k run followed by 750m swim in pool, was surprised that I was able to do that. Before I started any of this training in Jan I got my black belt in karate last year.

Wetsuit? do u really need a wetsuit for the swimming? Is a scuba diving wetsuit ok or do u need a special one for Tris?
Nutrition?
Age? Starting at 36? (weigh 68kg)
bike? Can I use any old bike?
Right now I do all my training alone which is fine for me.
Can you do Tris alone or do you need to be in a group, with other people?
Do you have to be in a club to be allowed do them?
I guess this years season is nearly over so it maybe next year before I get to do any but I have certainly being preparing my body all of this year!

Appreciate any advice to get me pointed in the right direction. Thank you

The triathlon season is more or less over this year although there are still a few left if you are wanting to get involved quickly.

Wetsuit - People turn up in all sorts, from scuba to surf and then swimming/tri suits. Each type is designed for its specific purpose. Trisuits can be bought for <€150. there are also pool based tri's where you can wear your speedo's if so inclined. These are usually at the start of the year (April/May)

Age - I started at 38 weighing nearly twice as much as you (125kg). So No, age is no barrier.

Bike - Again, all sorts are used. From sit up and begs, MTBs and racers to sexy carbon Tri bikes. I'm happy with my racng bike but I only bought that because I got it cheap on the bike to work scheme.

Alone or Group - I ended up joiing a group because I enjoy the social aspect. Having a team swim also pushes me much harder than I do by myself.

You sound plenty fit enough so give it a try. The worst that will happen is that you do not enjoy it and you can cross it off the list.

IKO

Thanks for the advice. There is light at the end of the tunnel anyways.

It seems the best way to go is to try and find a club so and get their guidance. I will do some research on clubs around the place. I wouldn't do one on my own unless I knew what I was doing. A good point about the swim, in a class situation you would be pushed harder.
I will dust off the bike that I have and start with that. I actually both a wetsuit in a sale yesterday... 45% off.
It looks like it might be next season before I do any so. I am doing the Dingle Half Marathon next week so a few road races left.

couerdelion

Where abouts in Dublin are you? I'm sure you'll get plenty of recommendatiosn for clubs.

IKO

Well, it would be the north Dublin area. live in Dunboyne which is 10 mins away from Blanch centre but spend alot of my time in north east county Dublin near the sea.

Up and down the M50 so cover most of north Dublin east and west.

couerdelion

There's a few clubs based in or around the Northside

I'm a member of ActivMultisport and our club swim is based in the NAC (Mon eve, Thurs morn). We've also had sea swim sessions in Malahide which have been great for the confidence.
The run and cycle sessions are based out of the Phoenix park but I haven't been to them yet.

Otherwise there is Fingal Tri who have one swim in the NAC and cycle in Lusk and run in Loughshinny. 3D Tri also have a swim in the NAC and run in the Phoenix Park, cycle in Howth. There's probably others but there the ones that come to mind.

Obviously I am biased toward Activ (www.Activmultisport.com) but anyone one of them would give you a warm welcome.

IKO

That's brilliant thanks! I will browse tru their websites and get more information before I make a decision.

I already go running in the phoenix park and swim in West point, haven't done any cycling this year. Most of my weekends I spend in Howth, when I was a teenager I cycled around there. Anyways, We will see....lots of research to do first.
Have you done many Tris yourself this year?

couerdelion

Yep, I've done a Super Sprint, 4 Sprints and an Olympic. It's most definitely an addictive sport!

elvis jones

I'd listen to couerdelion. He's up to Olympic now from a standing start !

I'd join a club as the amount of knowledge and support you get is great. It really helps and having someone else there at races to help you along.

I couldn't swim in Feb but have got up to Sprint level and have really enjoyed my 1st year involved in the sport. I'd gladly do Olympic but swimming isn't there yet:(

nerraw1111

Anyone recommend a place for advance swimming lessons? I can swim but no endurance. And my technique is most probably awful. Could do with some pointers before building up distances

couerdelion

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Anyone recommend a place for advance swimming lessons? I can swim but no endurance. And my technique is most probably awful. Could do with some pointers before building up distances

If you are wanting to swim for triathlons then there is no harm joining a triathlon club and going to their sessions, else you could look up your local pools 'masters' sessions.

IKO

Thanks, appreciate it. Well done, you've done so many! Were they all in Dublin or around the country? In my first road race last March I got a huge buzz out of it and couldn't wait for the next one.

Joining a club is my next step then! just didnt want to join a group of people who speed off as they are far more advanced and I am left there all alone. I can swim but not fast. I wouldnt be able to zip up a wetsuit on my own anyway, ha ha.

Thanks

willowthewisp

Do many people practice Triathalon training in the pool/bike/threadmill before taking to the outdoors, when starting off?

IKO

When did you start doing Tris yourself? The running and cycling, do you do your own training for that? noticed u said you havent been to the phoenix park training.

IKO

also, whats the difference between the "triathalon ireland" website and "irish triathalon website"?